How to Throw a Zero Waste Party

Hey earth muffins! My boyfriend’s 25th birthday is just around the corner, so I thought it would be fun to write a themed birthday post today. 😍 I wrote a whole post about how to celebrate a zero waste birthday last year; but, I wanted to focus on a zero waste party today. Parties are super fun and a great way to celebrate your loved one – and they can definitely be eco-friendly too! Here are my top tips for throwing the coolest zero waste party this year!

1. Use e-invitations

As a kid, I remember getting invitations in the mail for birthday parties. While I personally love getting something special in the mail, you don’t have to use paper invitations anymore. Instead, try electronic alternatives! There are tons of great websites that allow you to send invites. If you don’t want to be limited by their designs, use sites like Canva to create your own and email it out to friends. You could also start a group on Facebook that invites everyone. This is a great way to mass send all the details for the party! Paper invites are usually thrown in the trash, so definitely choose electronic instead.

2. Get secondhand decorations!

Facebook Marketplace is an amazing place to find party supplies. People in your area might have just had a birthday party and don’t know what to do with the leftover supplies… So, scoop those up if you see them! You can also usually find lots of fun things at the thrift store as well. A zero waste party doesn’t need a ton of decor either; try your hand at DIY banners, streamers, and centerpieces if you feel like getting creative!

3. Wrap gifts in anything but wrapping paper

Wrapping paper typically ends up in the landfill with paper invitations, so opt for a more sustainable way to wrap birthday presents. There are a ton of wrapping paper alternatives – my favorite is using fabric wraps. I think gifts look so pretty when they are carefully wrapped up in colorful fabric. 🎁

4. Have a “BYO” theme

“BYO” stands for “bring your own”. To avoid using single use silverware, cups, and plates, have your guests bring some from home! This is awesome because you prevent against a ton of party trash – and the party goers can help out with dishes at the end of the night. Plus, everyone knows exactly what cup is theirs and there is no confusion over poured drinks. It is a smart idea to post about this detail if you created a Facebook group for the party! I’m sure you have enough cutlery if someone forgets to bring some as well.

5. Make the cake yourself!

In my opinion, you must have some sort of dessert at a birthday party. 🎉 Depending on the birthday boy/girl, this could be a cake, cupcakes, even a pie! Instead of buying it from the store, try to bake it yourself. This avoids all those plastic containers that cakes are typically packed in. A lot of love goes into baking, so this is a great way to show how much you care too. If you absolutely suck at baking, maybe see if a local bakery packs their cakes in recyclable cardboard. Or, ask if they will put the cake in a reusable travel cake container that you provide to them when you order!

Final Thoughts on Throwing a Zero Waste Party

I hope your zero waste party is a hit! Birthdays are so much fun, but they don’t mean you have to compromise on your sustainability values. From e-invitations to having guest bring their own plates, there are tons of different ways to celebrate a birthday. Even if you don’t have a party, you can still have a zero waste celebration at home! How are you planning on celebrating your birthday this year? Comment below and let me know all the fun things you are going to do!

Love,
Jenna ♥